International Association of Certified Home Inspectors
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| Electrical Inspections Contains discussions about electrical systems. This includes receptacles, panels, wiring, etc. |
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#1
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I am not familiar with this switch that I found today. The breaker is for the dishwasher and has a small metal toggle that appears to keep the breaker from tripping?
The panel box was installed in 2004 when the home was built. Can someone help me understand this idea? Is it OK? Thanks. |
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#2
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The trip mechanism of breakers is internal so I doubt it keeps it from tripping. It may be some type of lock out device though I have not seen one like your pic. You can argue with intelligent people but to argue with a mush head is like trying to grab fog-Thomas Sowell |
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#3
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Thanks for the speedy reply, this device pivots freely on the middle so that the "L" shaped arm could be turned to the opposite side, which would not keep the breaker switch from moving.
When I saw the metal arm it was engaged in a manner that would stop the breaker switch from moving to either the middle tripped position or the off position. |
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#4
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Locks on breakers are more common in commercial panels than residential but there is nothing wrong with having it there. There may be a circuit (such as emergency lighting) that you don't want anyone to turn off but the breaker still does its job of protecting the circuit. Locks can also be used to prevent someone from turning on a breaker that you may not want to have turned on.
Quote:
BestInspectors.Net
& Real Estate Training Academy Inspection Report Software for Windows - iOS - Mac - Android Continuing Education Home and Commercial Building Inspection - Skilled Trades – Real Estate – Appraisal – NFPA 921 http://www.bestinspectors.net est. 1992 |
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#5
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Thanks for the help, I will note the lock on the report as an FYI for the buyer.
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#6
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These are usually used on circuits such as to the dishwasher where the device is direct wired. It is so the person working on the device can shut the breaker off and flip the lock over to prevent it from accidentally being turned back on. Most of the ones now are designed so that a lock can be installed to protect it further.
Many areas are requiring these now. Robert Sole, CMI 407-637-7288 Florida license numbers HI 169 and MRSA 92 Serving the Orlando Florida area including Orange, Seminole, Northern Osceola and Southwestern Volusia Counties. RobertSole@REMinspections.com Check out my blog orlandohomeinspections.info/ REMinspections.com OrlandoHomeInspector.net |
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#7
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You can argue with intelligent people but to argue with a mush head is like trying to grab fog-Thomas Sowell |
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#8
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Just to be clear, a circuit breaker WILL trip and cut power to a circuit even if the breaker handle is held or locked in the "on" position. If it trips in this manner, you have to switch it to the "off" position and back to "on" to reset it.
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#9
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Quote:
House 2 Home LLC 503-602-1420 HomePros@House2HomeLLC.ORG Protecting Peace of Mind One House at a Time IAC2 Certified IR Certified A favorite place on Google Maps |
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